Losing a child is something no mother should experience, especially when a death could have been prevented with medical intervention. One mother has had the tragic experience of losing her daughter at a young age. Massachusetts families may be interested in understanding the reason the mother intends to file a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court accusing her daughter’s physician of failure to make an accurate diagnosis to prevent her daughter’s death.
The woman reported that her daughter had developed severe cases of strep throat in the two years prior to her recent sickness. When her daughter exhibited similar symptoms as the two previous cases, she took her to the hospital she knew well. The hospital she chose had delivered and cared for her daughter since her birth for various health care needs. The mother reported having difficulty convincing the medical staff to test her daughter for strep throat and reported having to request a second doctor to make the order. Allegedly, the physician was convinced the girl had the flu and sent her home with the antiviral medication, Tamiflu.
At home, her daughter appeared to improve some the next morning but continued to exhibit concerning symptoms throughout the day. Less than 24 hours from their previous visit, they returned to the hospital to again be told that the girl had the flu. Upon the request of the mother, health care personnel looked up the strep test from the day before and were finally convinced that she had strep throat. Unfortunately, it was too late as the girl had developed serious complications necessitating specialized care at another facility. Sadly, her complications progressed rapidly and the girl died before transfer.
Understandably, the mother is heartbroken and angry at the physician’s failure to make an accurate diagnosis in a timely manner. Families that have experienced similar frustrating and tragic care of deceased loved ones may find hope in speaking with a medical malpractice attorney in Massachusetts about their legal options for recourse. Some cases may result in financial compensation which can alleviate any financial burden from related expenses.
Source: New York Daily News, “Mom blames kid’s death on misdiagnosis by Woodhull doc: suit“, Critina Carrega, Feb. 24, 2018
